Agitator for washing machines



Dec. 13, 1949 w. F. BLAKE 2,490,942-

AGITATOR FOR WASHING ICHINBS Filed Aug. 1o. 1945 v z Shasta-shoot 1' Dec. 13, 1949 Filed Aug. 10. 1945 w. F. BLAKE Aezu'won von msnm@ ucnxmss 2 Sheng-sheet z Patented Dec. 13, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFicE AGITA'ron Fon WASHING MACHINES william F. Blake, chicago, nl.

Application August 10, 1945, Serial No. 610,052

11 Claims. (Cl. 68,-l33) up a turbulence of the cleansing liquid that tumbles and shifts the pieces to and fro, these tumbling movements being aided by direct contact of the agitating elements with the pieces, which contact is arranged to impose a minimum and substantially no wear on the pieces, and definitely insuring a progression of the pieces around the tub free of any tendency to collect or bunch at any point so that the pieces are well distributed around the tub at all times.

Itis therefore the principal object of my invention to provide a washing machine in which the agitating elements are shaped, related and disposed around the machine to accomplish the foregoing results.

A further object is to provide a machine characterzed by the above advantages in which the washing action is improved by arranging the agitating elements to trap and introduce air into the cleansing liquid to thereby cause foaming and a more eilicient suds action.

These and further objects of the invention will be set forth in the following specification, reference being had tothe accompanying drawings, and the novel means by which said objects are eil'ectuated will be definitely pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is an elevation, partly in section, of a domestic type, washing machine incorporating the invention.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary, sectional elevation showing the cam device for 'interrupting power flow to the agitating devices.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view'of the machine.

Figs. 4, 5 and 6 are end and side views of one of the agitating blades.

Fig. 7 is a sectionalong the line 'I--l in Fig. 4.

For convenience of disclosure. the invention will be describedin connection with a domestic or family type of washer, the usual wringer being omitted since it does not form any part of the invention. Further. it will be assumedthat the 2 cleansing liquid is water with the oridinary addition of soap.

Referring to Fig. l, the numeral I0 designates an open top, cylindrical tub that rests on a frame I I which in turn is supported by legs I2. Suitably carried on the frame beneath the tub is an electric motor I3 which may be controlled in any desired manner and which is drivably connected through any standard type of reduction gear box I4 and a crank-link connection I5 with a crank I6 fast on the lower end of an agitator drive shaft I 1. The foregoing arrangement imparts an oscillatory movement to the shaft I'I which extends upwardly through the bottom of the tub I0 in coaxial relation thereto and through an enclosing sleeve I8.

The shaft II is journaled in the sleeve by means of upper. and lower bearings I 9, of which only the upper is shown, and a disk 20 is secured to the upper end of the shaft which projects beyond the corresponding end of the sleeve. The top surface of the disk 20 carries a plurality of driving lugs 2I which, in the position of the parts shown in Fig. 2, are received within sockets 22 provided in a hub 23 whose underside is counterbored at 24 to receive the disk 20.

The hub 23 forms part of a yoke 25 which is diametrically related to the tub I0 and from whose extremities depends a cylindrical shell -26 whose lower edge is spaced from the bottom of the tub suiliciently to provide good working clearance and a free circulation of water, and the same relation exists between the periphery of the shell and the side wall of the tub. The upper edge of the shell lies I below the upper edge of the tub and the height of the shell is such that it extends through the major portion of the depth of the tub in the particular arrangementl shown. From the foregoing, it will be understood that, as the shaft Il oscillates, a like movement is imparted to the shell 26.

Carried on the inner surface of the shell and extending generally longitudinally thereof is a plurality of agitator blades 21, of which four are shown in the present embodiment equispaced circumferentially of the shell. These blades constitute an important feature of the invention, particularly in respect of their shape and the structural factors associated therewith, as more particularly illustrated in Figs. 4, 5 and 6.

The marginal, lengthwise profile of each blade is substantially semi-heart shaped or generally bowed, as indicated in Fig. 4, and may be regarded as comprising a wall portion 28 shaped to conform to a circular arc of appropriate radius extending 3 from the lower end 29 of the blade to the location represented by the intersection of the wall with aline 30, and by a merging wall portion 3| whose shape conforms to a circular arc of less radius than that of the wall portion 28. This manner of shaping the blade is intended to be suggestive only of a simple form of design, as it is contemplated that the wall portions 28 and 3| may have shapes other than true circular arcs so long as the overall shaping remains as generally indicated. The wall portion 3| is continued to form a wall portion 32 which is preferably hook curved to extend inwardly and towards the wall portion 28 for a purpose presently explained. The wall portions 28, 3| and 32 constitute the principal wall 33 of the blade and its width will depend upon the size of the machine. All transverse sections of the principal wall are linear, as shown in Fig. 5, so that it may be regarded as a fiat wall bowed into the shape as described above.

A flat, retaining wall 34 projects laterally from one lengthwise edge of the blade and its width preferably varies, being a minimum at the lower end 29 into which it may actually merge and a maximum where it joins the end of the hook wall portion 32 with a gradual increase of the width between these points.

A pair of baies 35 and 36 project from the inner surface of the wall 33 adjacent the upper end, the baffles being spaced from each other and the baille 3B being spaced from the end of the wall portion 32 about as shown in Fig. 4. The specific baille arrangement shown in this figure has been found to operate satisfactorily, the baille 36 extending downwardly from the Wall portion 3| and the baille 35 extending from the wall portion 35 in angular relation to the baiiie 36.

Each blade is secured to the shell 26 by screws 3l which are preferably located so that the blades extend generally longitudinally of the shell and for a major portion of its length, as shown in Fig. 1. Variations in positions of the blades will provide differences in the degree of turbulence of the water. The wall 33 lies generally normal to the adjacent portion of the shell and the wall 34 is spaced inwardly from the shell. Each blade therefore presents a scoop-like form, one surface of the wall 33 being convex and the opposite surface concave. The concave side of the blade is characterized by a channel-like formation whose side walls are defined by the wall 34 and the adjacent portion of the shell 26, while the convex side is free of such water retaining features and therefore applies relatively less pushing force on the water.

During the washing operation, the static water level in the tub Ill is preferably about as indicated by the line 38 in Fig. 1. As the shell 26 is actuated with a rotary, reciprocating movement, the same movement is imparted to the blades which create a turbulence in the water. When the blades are moving in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 3, water piles within the blades as assisted by the retaining walls 34, the cooperating portions of the shell 26 adjacent the respective blades, and the concave sides of the blades, thus imparting a. definite movement to the mass of water around the tub in the same direction. This water movement is partially retarded, with accompanying turbulence, when the blades move clockwise. In the latter direction, however, the convex side of each blade moves through the water with relatively less resistance and therefore exerts relatively less thrust on the water, so that the result of the reciprocating action of the blades is the application of a substantial residual thrust to the water which causes the pieces being washed to progress around the tub. During each reciprocation, the pieces are tumbled and reversed in position by the turbulent water and by direct contact with the blades so that each piece in its entirety is subjected to detergent action.

When the blades are moving clockwise, cavitation on the trailing or channel sides of the blades sets up a pronounced flow of water from the center and outwardly towards the wall of the tub.

A similar action, though of relatively reduced extent, occurs when the blades are moving counter-clockwise. This outward water flow, in conjunction with the scooping action of the blades when moving counterclockwise, accomplishes several results which are desirable for the most efficient washing; first, the pieces are lifted from the floor of the tub and maintained in a state of flotation throughout the washing operation so that they are always positioned for maximum detergent action; second, collection and binding or wrapping of the pieces around the center sleeve I8 is prevented; and, third, the pieces are tumbled and moved in the zone of maximum turbulence, i. e., adjacent the blades. All of the foregoing occurs while the pieces progress around the tub with a definite movement and without packing or depositing at any point. This progression is not a continuous movement in the same direction since each piece is tumbled and moved for a short period in each zone between adjacent pairs of blades which includes the relatively violent turbulence in the overlapping orbits of the blades.

The baiiles 35 and 36 trap air as the turbulent water falls below and rises above the bailles during reciprocation of the blades and this trapped air is introduced into the water by the movement of the blades to increase the foaming and sudsy action of the water and soap. This feature materially enhances the efficiency of the washing action. The hooked wall portion 32 directs any water that may escape past the bailies into the tub and thus prevents any splashing outside of the tub.

In a characteristic, domestic size machine wherein the diameter of the shell 26 was of the order of 211A" with about one-half inch clearance between it and the hub, the angular movement of the yoke 25 was about 65, and the width of each blade was approximately 1%", a. piece being washed was observed to make one complete circuit of the tub while the yoke was making eight oscillations. For quickest washing, the oscillations of the yoke are preferably from forty to sixty times per minutes. At slower speeds, the machine washes effectively, but the washing operation requires a, longer time.

In order to disengage the yoke 25 from the driving shaft I1, a lever 39 is pivoted on a pin 4l bridged between ears 4|4I provided on the hub 23 and its lower end is formed as a cam surface 42 which contacts the upper end of the shaft Il. The distance of the central portion of this surface from the pin 4I is less than the distance of either end portion of the surface from the pin. Hence, when the lever is in the vertical position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the yoke 25 isdrivably connected to the shaft, and when rocked in either direction to a horizontal position, the yoke is raised sumciently to move the hub 23 clear of the driving lugs 2|.

The weight of the water and the pieces being washed is carried by the tub so that only the agitating load is imposed on the motor I3. This arrangement enables the production of maximum agitation for any given amount of power. However, attachment of the agitating blades to the tub is considered to be included within the scope of the invention and, in this event, the driving mechanism would be modified in accordance with those types of washing machines having tubs characterized by a rotary, reciprocating movement.

I claim:

l. In a washing machine, the combination of a cylindrical tub for holding washing liquid, an annular shell coaxial with and mounted for rotary, reciprocating movement within and close to the side wall of the tub, and a plurality of agitator blades spaced around and secured to the inner side of the shell, each blade being normal to the shell in the secured location and curved to present oppositely related convex and concave surfaces to the washing liquid and closer tothe side wall than to the center of the tub, the concave side having va wall extending from the inner edge of the blade and defining a channel conformation with the blade and the adjacent portion oi the shell and the length of each blade being sufficient to exert thrust on the liquid for substantially the depth thereof, and baiile means extending across the width of each blade on the concave side and adjacent the top of the blade, the baille means trapping air for introduction into the washing liquid as the liquid surges above and below the means.

2. An elongated, agitator blade for a washing machine curved lengthwise to include oppositely relaxed convex and concave surfaces and being hook-shaped at one end in longitudinal, edgewise View, a wall extending transversely from -one longitudinal edge on the concave side of the blade, and baiille means adjacent the hook end of the blade on the concave side thereof and extending across the width of the blade.

, washing liquid as the liquid surges above and below the baiiles.

5. An elongated, agitator blade for a washing machine curved lengthwise to include oppositely 3. In a washing machine, the combination of 4 a tub for holding washing liquid, a carrier member mounted for rotary, reciprocating movement within and close to the side wall of the tub, and a plurality of blades secured to the member in spaced relation around and extending generally lengthwise of the tub, the blades being disposed closer to the side wall than to the center of the tub, each blade being curved to present oppositely related convex and concave surfaces to the liquid, the concave side having a wall extending from the inner edge of the blade and defining a channel conformation with the blade and the adjacent portion oi the member and the length of each blade being suilicient to exert thrust on the liquid for substantially the depth thereof, and baille means extending across the width of the blad-Kv on the concave side and acljacent the top o the blade, the baffle means trapping air for introduction into the washing liquid as the liquid surges above and below the means.

4. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub for holding washing liquid, a carrier member mounted for rotary, reciprocating movement within and close to the side wall of the tub, a plurality of blades secured to the member in spaced relation around and extending generally lengthwise of the tub, the blades being disposed closer to the side wall than Itothe center of the tub, each blade being curved to present' oppositely related convex and concave surfaces to related convex and concave surfaces and being hook-shaped at one end in longitudinal edgewise view. a wall extending transversely from one longitudinal edge on the concave side o1' the blade, the width of the wall being a maximum at the hook end of the blade and decreasing as it approaches the opposite end, and baille means adjacent the hook end of the blade on the concave side thereof and extending across the width of the blade.

6. In a washing machine, the combination of a member mounted for rotary, reciprocating movement with respect to and exposed to the washing liquid, and a plurality of blades secured in spaced relation around and extending generally lengthwise of the member at a predetermined distance from the axis thereof, each blade being curved to present oppositely related convex and concave surfaces to the liquid, the concave side having a wall extending from the inner edge of the blade and defining a channel conformation with the blade and the adjacent portion of the member and the length of each blade being suflicient to exert thrust on the liquid for substantially the depth thereof, and baille means extending across the width of the blade on the concave side and adjacent the top of the blade, the baille means trapping air for introduction into the washing liquid as the liquid surges above and below the means.

7. An elongated, agitator blade for a washing machine curved lengthwise to include oppositely related convex and concave surfaces and being hook-shaped at one end in longitudinal edgewise view, and a wall extending transversely from one longitudinal edge on the concave side of the blade, the width of the wall being a maximum at the hook end of the blade and decreasing as it approaches the opposite end.

8. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub for holding washing liquid, a. carrier member mounted for rotary, reciprocating movement within and close to the side wall of the tub, and a plurality of blades secured to the member in spaced relation around and extending generally lengthwise of the tub, the blades being disposed closer to the side wall than to the center of the tub, each blade being curved to present oppositely related convex and concave surfaces to the liquid and being hook-shaped at the upper end in longitudinal edgewise view, the concave side having a wall extending from the inner edge of the blade and defining a channel conformation with the blade and the adjacent portion of the member and the length of each blade being suilicient to exert thrust on the liquid for substantially the depth thereof, and baille means extending across the width of the blade on the concave side and adjacent the top of the blade, the baille means trapping air for introduction v blade.

10. An elongated, agitator blade for a washing machine curved lengthwise to include oppositely related convex and concave surfaces and being hook-shaped at one end in longitudinal edgewise view, a wall extending transversely from one Y longitudinal edge on the concave side of the blade, the width of the wall being a maximum at the hook end of the blade anddecreasing as it approaches the opposite end, and a plurality of spaced bales adjacent the hook end of the blade on the concave side thereof and extending across the width of the blade.

11. An elongated, agitator blade for a washing machine curved lengthwise to include oppositely related convex and concave surfaces and being hook-shaped at one end in longitudinal, edgewise view, a wall extending transversely from one longitudinal edge on the concave side of the blade, and a pair of spaced baffles adjacent the hook end of the blade on the concave sido thereof and extending across the -width of the blade, the bafiies being angularly related to each,

other.

WILLIAM F. BLAKE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,210,395 Anthes Jan. 2, 1917 1,451,447 Nelson Apr. 10, 1923 1,563,136 Altorfer Nov. 24, 1925 1,580,778 Coverstone Apr. 13, 1928 1,648,530 Altorfer Nov. 8, 1927 1,714,894 Snyder May 28, 1929 1,721,956 AHoff July 23, 1929 2,046,901 Kirby July 7, 1938 2,059,080 Blake Oct. 27, 1936 2,071,622 Gibson Feb. 23, 1937 2,091,402 Waterworth Aug. 31, 1937 2,194,688 Bremer Mar. 26, 1940 2,215,032 Fischer Sept. 17, 1940 2,264,202 Forney Nov. 25, 1942 2,272,541 Blake Feb. l0, 1942 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 514,539 France Nov. 16, 1920 

